Parliament, Sunday, 6 October 2024 - The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture will embark on a week-long oversight visit to the Gauteng-based entities of the Department of Agriculture, Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP), and the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in Tshwane from 8 to 10 October 2024.
The purpose of the visit is to, among other things, assess progress in the modernisation of the OBP’s Vaccine Manufacturing Plant, as well as progress in the construction of the Foot-and-Mouth Disease Facility by the ARC.
The two entities play a critical role in livestock production, animal health and disease management. Considering the continuing foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks, the committee further seeks to gain an insight into the two entities’ operational environments including complimentary areas in animal vaccine research and development.
The OBP produces various types of vaccine doses for use in local and international markets. Its products contribute to the prevention of animal diseases such as Anthrax, Botulism, Enterotoxaemia, Rift Valley Fever, Brucellosis, Redwater, Lumpy Skin disease and Three-Day Stiff sickness.
The ARC is a premier science institution that conducts research with partners, develops human capital and fosters innovation to support and develop the agricultural sector.
To download the committee’s oversight visit programme, click the link below:
https://tinyurl.com/4jectpcc
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Malentsoe Magwagwa (Ms)
Cell: 081 716 5824
Email: mmagwagwa@parliament.gov.za
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